I am happy to report that the courts continue to take risks, tackle new challenges, and improve the administration of justice, even in the midst of great economic hardship and uncertainty as to what the future holds. This section describes the continuing excellence of our courts’ efforts, as exemplified by the 2010–2011 Kleps Award recipients.

Biennially, the Judicial Council honors California appellate and trial courts for their innovation in furthering the goals of the judicial branch’s strategic plan for the courts. These award recipients eloquently demonstrate how California courts are meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The seven programs highlighted in this publication continue the tradition, have fully demonstrated that they met each of the requirements for this award, and are programs of which our courts can be proud.

Two of the new award recipients—the Superior Courts of Orange and Contra Costa Counties—improve direct services to the public by partnering with local organizations. Two other recipients—the Superior Courts of Monterey and San Bernardino Counties—employ private industry technology and automation to improve the efficiency of the court. The other three recipients—Superior Court of Orange County; Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District; and a collaboration between the Superior Courts of Fresno and Stanislaus Counties and the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District—have made significant improvements to the process by which court cases are reviewed, evaluated, and decided, having a positive effect on the very core of the judicial system: people having their cases heard in a just and timely manner.

The 19-member Kleps Award Committee is an independent and autonomous committee comprising justices, judges, and court administrators. It carefully evaluates applicants and recommends awardees to the Judicial Council for approval.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank William C. Vickrey, whose 19-year tenure as the Administrative Director of the Courts ran parallel to the Kleps Award Program. Mr. Vickrey has been an ardent supporter of the Kleps Award Program and encouraged the sharing of effective practices and innovation in the courts.

I speak for the entire committee when I say that it has been an honor for us to learn more about these extraordinary programs and to share them with you.